Tsugumi Sakurai Calls Time on Her Career
Olympic gold medalist Tsugumi Sakurai has announced her retirement from competitive wrestling at the age of 24. The decision was made public on April 3, 2026, in Kochi Prefecture. Sakurai, who won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, also secured three consecutive world championship titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Following her retirement, she intends to pursue a career in coaching. Her departure marks the end of a dominant era in women's wrestling.
Throughout her career, Sakurai faced Ukrainian opponents in major international competitions. Notably, Alina Akobiia (Hrushyna) lost to her at the 2022 World Championships, where Akobiia ultimately won a bronze medal. Another significant match was Sakurai's victory over Oleksandra Khomenets, where the Japanese athlete won 10-4 in the 55 kg weight class.
Shifting Dynamics in Wrestling
Concurrently, the wrestling world is seeing notable shifts in weight classes. Akari Fujinami, the Paris Olympic champion in the 53 kg category, has announced she will move up to compete at 57 kg. In her statement, she explained:
“I feel I can perform at my best by cutting only three kilograms from my natural weight, rather than eight.”
Akari Fujinami stands 164 cm tall, with a natural weight of approximately 61 kg.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, Tsugumi Sakurai stated:
“As an athlete, I am drawing a line.”This conclusion to her competitive chapter opens new horizons for the development of Japanese wrestling, particularly in weight classes where new talents are emerging. The sport is evolving, with athletes now strategically optimizing their weight for peak performance.
Tsugumi Sakurai's retirement significantly impacts Japanese wrestling, as she was one of the nation's foremost athletes. Her decision may inspire a new generation of wrestlers aiming for success on the international stage. The weight class changes announced by Akari Fujinami further signal the sport's ongoing evolution, creating fresh opportunities for athletes and shaping the landscape of future competitions.